US Senate blocks Iran war powers resolution in 49-50 vote

Published Jul 30, 05:30 PM UTC

The U.S. Senate voted 49-50 against advancing a war powers resolution by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) that would require President Trump to withdraw forces from the Iran war unless Congress authorizes it. The vote occurred as a brief ceasefire collapsed, with Iran launching ballistic missiles at U.S. forces and the U.S. responding with heavy airstrikes. GOP Sens. Paul, Collins, and Murkowski supported the measure, while Democratic Sen. Fetterman opposed it. Democrats have forced near-weekly votes since the war began in February 2026, arguing it pressures Republicans. The Pentagon also faced scrutiny for reclassifying recent casualties under 'overseas operations' rather than the official war name. Total U.S. casualties stand at 18 killed and over 600 wounded.